Immunochemical characterisation of antigens and growth inhibition of Fonsecaea pedrosoi by species-specific IgG.

Antigens of Fonsecaea pedrosoi, the most common agent of chromomycosis, were characterised by immunoprecipitation with a rabbit antiserum raised against the cell-protein extract and serum from an infected patient. Thirteen antigens were commonly detected and, as some of these antigens could be iodinated, they may be present in the fungal cell wall. Purified IgG from the rabbit antiserum was shown to produce a 50-60% inhibition of fungal growth. Some of the antigens characterised may be important in relation to the stimulation of protective immunity against chromomycosis.